Park Avenue Elementary is gearing up to answer this question during a special session from 5:45-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, for all third- and fourth-graders and their parents.

All students in third through eighth grade take the Augmented Benchmark Examinations. The exam tests students in math, literacy and writing to identify students who may need remediation.

This year’s tests will be given Tuesday through Friday, April 9-12, at Park Avenue. Principal Sharon Konecny said they are highly encouraging the school’s 260 third- and fourth-graders to attend with their parents.

The students will inform parents of the Benchmark’s importance as well as strategies to make the testing less stressful for all involved. Handouts will also be given out.

Basic tips to get through the testing week include keeping the home environment non-stressful; putting academics before sports; starting the day off with breakfast; and ensuring that the students arrive at school on time.

“It’s a normal week of school so no more stress is needed,” she said.

Konecny said, afterward, the parents would be taken into the classroom to show how the students have been preparing for the exams all year.

It will highlight additional programs the school has participated in, including Reflex Math, a basic math improvement program; Raz-Kids, a reading skills improvement program; and The Learning Institute (TLI).

Konecny said teachers use TLI to examine and align curriculum, assess how well students are learning during the lessons and plan for future lessons.

For more information, contact a third- or fourth-grade teacher or Konecny at (870) 674-1402.